With exciting new spaces and enhancements throughout, the unique Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny re-opens on 15 July.
Harvested from the land and seasoned by history, the celebrated ruby red Smithwick’s ale has been brewed in Ireland since 1710.
The Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, located in the medieval heart of one of Ireland’s coolest and most historic destination cities, gives you the chance to explore what makes the famous ale Ireland’s most popular.
The experience explores the brewing heritage of the Smithwick family and more than 300 years of brewing history on a site originally settled in the thirteenth century by Franciscan monks, who brewed ales long before John Smithwick established his brewery in the building in the early 1700s.
As well as offering a first-hand experience of the brewing process, local guides take guests on a storytelling journey, introducing memorable characters along the way and letting you mill the malt, stir the mash and smell the hops of the famous ale in its historic home.
As part of the re-opening, new investments and innovations have been added to the experience, including a striking new mural that represents the vibrant culture and rich history of Kilkenny, as well as a new Smithwick’s Flavour Room. This sensory experience immerses you in the raw ingredients of Smithwick’s Red Ale and how they are combined to bring the beer to life.
Later this summer, a new outdoor space will also be unveiled, offering the chance to enjoy a cool beer in an open-air setting.
At the end of the tour, guests are treated to a complimentary pint or a soft drink, as preferred. You can also upgrade your ticket to get the opportunity to taste Smithwick’s Pale Ale and Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale.
Experiencing the Smithwick’s story is one of the best things to do in Kilkenny, but in a medieval city echoing with character and hundreds of years of history there is plenty more to discover.
A key destination in Ireland’s Ancient East, Kilkenny offers lively pubs, first-class restaurants – including two Michelin starred eateries – chic galleries and contemporary shopping, not to mention cracking trad music sessions and some of the best festivals on the island.
Go back in time to explore Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, a maze of lanes, alleyways and cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, which runs from the magnificent twelfth-century Kilkenny Castle to the beautifully restored thirteenth-century St Canice’s Cathedral overlooking the city.
Kilkenny is also a leading destination for high-end Irish arts and crafts; for unique and stylish souvenirs Kilkenny Design Centre and the National Craft Gallery are not to be missed.
Kilkenny’s intimate size, creative spirit and friendly atmosphere make it a fantastic destination – for the ruby red Smithwick’s experience and so much more.
